REVIEW: David Bazan @ Sam Bond’s (Eugene, OR – 3/4/10)

So, what is there to say about David Bazan that I haven’t already said? Well, not much; so I’ll just recap. In short, he’s a genuine song-writer, an honest thinker, a gentle soul, and a wonderful song-weaver. Since moving to Eugene, I’ve had the opportunity to see himthreetimes… now a fourth. All in a shorter window of time compared to the rare opportunities when I saw him in Ohio.

The show last night was one of the first shows from his Winter/Spring Tour (and the first with opener Headlights). For more tour dates, check out the list at the bottom. At Sam Bond’s Garage, David Bazan isn’t on the same A-frame as adelicious quiche (click for picture from a recent gig), but he does share the venue with some mighty fine pizza and beer.

Headlights were really good. They played about 45 minutes and had some good indie rock / pop songs with nice melodies. They are a traditional four piece (guitar, keys, bass, drums) and swapped lead vocal duties around a bit. Their sound at Sam Bond’s Garage last night was a little too loud, but that’s definitely not the band’s fault. I think Sam Bond’s doesn’t seem to have the acoustics for rock bands (this issue spilled over into David’s set, too). Anyway, Headlights = good. Check ’em out! Here’s the video for their song “Secrets“:

David went on with his band a little after 10pm. His band this time around is Blake Wescott on guitar, Andy Fitts on bas, and Alex Wescoat on drums. The set was filled with songs from his most recent solo album, Curse Your Branches, as well as older material – including a nice collection of Pedro the Lion and Headphones songs. Outsider of the aforementioned curse that Sam Bond’s Garage has on rock bands’ sound, it was a highly enjoyable show. The mix of tunes and passion with which David sings is fun to take in.

Setlist: about 75 minutes

I Do (Pedro the Lion)

Transcontinental (Pedro the Lion)

Man in Me

Please, Baby, Please

June 18, 1976 (Pedro the Lion)

Q&A #1

When We Fell

Magazine (Pedro the Lion)

How I Remember

When They Really Get To Know You, They Will Run (Pedro the Lion)

Q&A #2

Shit Talker (Headphones)

Harmless Sparks

Fewer Broken Pieces

Q&A #3

Bands With Managers (Pedro the Lion)

Bad Diary Days (Pedro the Lion)

Cold Beer and Cigarettes

I Never Wanted You (Headphones)

Penetration (Pedro the Lion)

In Stitches

No Encore

Personally, ending the show with “In Stitches” is perfect. That song sunk in with me last fall, especially the last verse…

When Job asked you a question,
You responded, “Who are you
to challenge your creator?”
Well if that one part is true
It makes you sound defensive
Like you had not thought it through
Like you didn’t have an answer
Like you bit off more than you could chew

So, yeah, the well documented pivot from religious to questioner to agnosticsuits Bazan’s songwriting especially well in my book.

more photos below

SO, if you haven’t gotten it already, go check out his new live in the studio recording from his Fall 2009 band tour. Bazan: Live at Electric Audio is a great recording, and it’s out on CD, vinyl, or digital only (for insane people):

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